Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Lake Norman is a picturesque and serene man-made reservoir. Beloved by nature enthusiasts and water lovers, it is also a hub for delectable dining experiences. Whether you want seafood delights, hearty comfort food, or a fresh cocktail, Lake Norman restaurants cater to every palate.
Here are the essential dining establishments by the water’s edge.
Hello, Sailor
This sunny, casual waterfront gem offers a menu beyond the ordinary with a Southern-leaning menu. Expect fried and fresh seafood like wahoo crudo and oysters alongside non-seafood delights. Those include sandwiches, burgers and even smoked chicken wings. And when it comes to drinks, Hello Sailor’s craft cocktails and unique wine selection truly stand out. Enjoy them waterside at the outdoor tiki bar.
Finally, with several boat slips, Hello, Sailor is a must-visit spot for lake-goers. It is certainly one of the top Lake Norman restaurants.
Eddie’s Seafood & Raw Bar
Located near the Williamson Road Bridge on Lake Norman, Eddie’s is more than just a Raw Bar. Eddie’s on the lake boasts one of the lake’s most extensive menus. There are salads, sandwiches, burgers, and steaks. Plus, the menu includes seafood like oysters and crab legs and even Italian specialties. You can enjoy your meal inside or outside by the lake. You can also enjoy their Sunday brunch on the patio from 11 am to 2 pm.
Although it is technically dock-and-dine, boats generally dock on the shore due to the absence of a pier. Finally, the restaurant also has a Reserve Room for private parties with a separate fine dining menu.
North Harbor Club
The North Harbor Club on Davidson’s north side is a charming Regatta-themed restaurant with nautical elements and fantastic outdoor seating by Lake Norman. It is a must-visit waterfront spot offering upscale, New American fine dining. The menu includes filet mignon, surf & turf, seafood, various salads, sandwiches and burgers.
The drink menu is extensive, with hand-crafted cocktails, beers and wines. All of these can be enjoyed in the beautiful bar area or on the waterfront patio.
Port City Club
Located at the southern end of Lake Norman in Cornelius, just north of Huntersville, you will find Port City Club, a fantastic waterfront restaurant and bar. Port City Club offers upscale casual dining with seafood, salads, sandwiches, burgers, cocktails, pasta and steaks. What truly shines are the stunning waterfront views and inviting outdoor seating options by the shore, which are among the best around. It is one of the most-visited Lake Norman waterfront restaurants.
The club has a pier and boat slips ready for those arriving by boat. The restaurant also has 2 patios, one outdoor and the other heated and enclosed.
Midtown Sundries
Midtown Sundries is a vibrant and welcoming family restaurant and bar that captures the essence of a classic American pub experience, nestled in the heart of North Carolina. With a diverse menu featuring mouthwatering tacos, sandwiches, salads and more, Midtown Sundries ensures delightful dining for all palates. Offering top-notch quality food and excellent customer service, the restaurant also offers kids’ meals.
Whether you want to enjoy a casual lunch, unwind with friends over drinks or catch the big game, Midtown Sundries promises a memorable experience with its casual American cuisine.
The Cabin
Situated just 10 feet from the shores of Lake Norman, “The Cabin” offers a cozy retreat with unbeatable views. The cabin boasts a spacious dock that can accommodate up to 3 boats, making it perfect for hosting gatherings with friends and family, complete with drinks and fireworks by the water.
The place is small but has a good selection of local drafts and wine and lovely inside and outside seating with stunning lake views. The place is perfect for a laid-back, local craft beer experience while enjoying the lovely music.
The Blue Parrot Grill
The Blue Parrot Bar & Grill is a charming restaurant by the lakeside with a Caribbean vibe. It is a lovely place where you can enjoy wide views of Lake Norman. If you are arriving by the lake, you can easily park your boat nearby and step in for a delicious meal. The restaurant has a big outdoor seating area overlooking the lake. And the best part is, you can bring your pets along – they are welcome too!
Talking about the food, the eatery offers a variety of tasty dishes like appetizers, salads, pasta, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, seafood and steaks. Blue Parrot Bar & Grill also has a nice selection of drinks like margaritas, punch, rum and vodka. And there is more to enjoy beyond the food. On weekends, they even have live music for you to groove to. Combining great food, fantastic views and lively entertainment, it is one of the top restaurants on Lake Norman.
The Harp & Crown
Enjoy Lake Norman’s finest Irish and English pub experience at The Harp & Crown. Indulge in the unique cocktails, perfect pints and a menu filled with classic pub favorites. You can enjoy your order indoors in the cozy dining room or outside on the patio and bar.
The menu skillfully combines cherished traditional recipes with modern twists. Expect hearty Irish Meatloaf, comforting Guinness Pot Pie and innovative delights like Reuben Spring Rolls. Finally, the atmosphere inside is cozy and the outdoor area is fantastic.
The Landing at Lake Norman
Whether a regular or a newcomer at The Landing on Lake Norman, you will experience the joy of a tucked-away cove on a serene beach. Easy to reach by land or water, this spot offers indoor and open-air dining with delicious seafood, pub grub and pizzas paired with family entertainment. The culinary creations of Chef Drew Moseley allow you to indulge in delectable offerings such as Queso Birria Street Tacos and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts.
One of the top restaurants on Lake Norman, the Landing Restaurant, is open for both lunch and dinner and has a full tiki bar ready to serve a variety of drinks – beer, wine, and cocktails. It is a popular spot for both locals and folks from out of town who love the idea of dining by the water and just chilling out in a laid-back setting.
131 Main Restaurant
Step into a charming Charleston cabin with wooden siding, gas lamps and a fizzing fireplace as the inviting aroma of food from a hickory wood-fired grill fills the air. Believe it or not, this atmosphere awaits you at 131 Main. No wonder it is one of the top Lake Norman restaurants.
Specializing in classic American dishes, this restaurant offers lunch and dinner with a generous dose of warmth and friendliness. Every dish is meticulously prepared in-house using only the finest ingredients. From timeless favorites like Southern Shrimp and Grits to Cedar Plank Salmon and Double Cut Pork Chops, each dish bursts with flavors. Pair your meal with a refreshing lager or a smooth chardonnay to enjoy the cozy and inviting setting. You may enjoy a glass of rich Cabernet or a cold beer, whatever suits your taste.
The Soda Shop
Established in 1951 just opposite Davidson College, The Soda Shop has become a cherished tradition for students, locals, and visitors alike. If you want a taste of nostalgia or a chance to reminisce about your college days or childhood, this affordable family dining is the spot to be with its historic setting.
The menu boasts homemade delights like egg salad, chicken salad, tuna salad and more, alongside fresh-squeezed lime, orangeade and lemonade. With options for vegetarians, melts, wraps, Black Angus burgers, hot dogs and a satisfying array of fries, there is something for everyone. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk along the expansive brick sidewalks that border Main Street.
Fresh Chef Kitchen
Fresh Chef Kitchen is a casual restaurant serving classic and new American foods freshly prepared. Every day, guests are treated to delicious, piping-hot lunches and dinners crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The menu features a variety of options, including pasta, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and seafood dishes. Notably, Fresh Chef Kitchen also caters to those who prefer gluten-free options.
If you are looking for a place that serves wholesome, freshly made food in a quick and casual manner, Fresh Chef Kitchen is an excellent choice.
On the Nines Bistro & Cocktails
Just a stone’s throw from Lake Norman, On the Nines offers a delightful blend of Southern warmth and an elegant ambiance reminiscent of a French restaurant. Under the skillful guidance of Executive Chef Steve Jordan, the menu brings you comforting favorites that are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet. The portions are generous, guaranteeing to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Besides the scratch-made seasonal dishes, the Euro-inspired bistro offers craft cocktails and expertly selected wines, making it one of the top restaurants on the lake.
Epic Chophouse
Epic Chophouse stands out as one of the finest places to enjoy exceptional steak and seafood dishes in the area. Situated right at the heart of Mooresville’s historic downtown, the upscale restaurant offers a refined dining experience in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The menu covers a range of options, including soups, salads, juicy steaks, delectable chops, fresh seafood, pasta and more. While the restaurant primarily caters to dinner crowds, it also features a well-stocked bar.
Epic Chophouse is the ideal spot when you are simply looking for a relaxing drink with your friends after a meal. It has gained a reputation as one of the premier bars in Mooresville, NC, where you can unwind and enjoy quality time.
Best Restaurants Lake Norman: Conclusion
The restaurants near Lake Norman offer more than just a meal; these lake side restaurants offer an experience that marries culinary excellence with the tranquility of lakeside views. Whether you seek a casual meal with friends, an elegant dining experience or a taste of coastal comfort, the shores of Lake Norman have something to offer every palate.
So, embark on a culinary adventure and let the flavors of the lake captivate your senses, making memories by the water’s edge.
